A division of Adidas focused on fashion innovation is partnering with Virgin Galactic on space suits and other apparel and footwear for use in commercial space flights.

Y-3, a collaboration between Adidas and designer Yohji Yamamoto, on Thursday announced an initiative to design a "space-apparel system" for Virgin Galactic and unveiled a prototype pilot flight suit and space boots at Spaceport America, the New Mexico facility from which Virgin will launch it space flights.

Adidas is based in Germany but keeps its North American headquarters in Portland.

In a news release, Y-3 said the prototypes reflect a combination of its approach to style and Adidas' technical know-how. The flight suit, for example, was designed to support a pilot's natural seating position based on tests with Virgin Galactic's corps of pilots. It was made with an advanced material called "Nomex Meta Aramid" using a 3D engineered pattern.

The boots were made with both Nomex and leather and feature the same shock-absorbing adiPRENE heel insert found on some of Adidas' athletic footwear.

The prototypes are at a stage of design where pilots can begin giving them a trial run in-flight during Virgin Galactic's flight test program.

"The pilot flight suit prototype that we have developed truly represents both of our brands and, more importantly, will ensure comfort, functionality and support for the pilots of the world’s first commercial space flights," Lawrence Midwood, Y-3's senior design director, said in a news release.

Virgin Galactic design director Lawrence Midwood said the partnership with Y-3 will also turn its focus to apparel and accessories for staff and the company's eventual spaceflight passengers.